Boss Taylor MUST go if the PFA are going to modernise and evolve

the PFA, and it will be interesting to see if Gordon rides this one out.

“For my part, it’s time for Gordon to step aside and give the PFA a chance to modernise and evolve.

“I suspect that a lot of former players will get behind this call for reform and an independent review of the PFA.

“I personally think it’s vital that this happens – it’s long overdue.”

Savage admitted: “The PFA is a vitally important institution for players. We’ve seen, in recent months, how many important issues there are facing the football community. “There has been widespread

sexual abuse in clubs. There are many former players out there suffering from dementia, and their families are calling for more support from the PFA. “There are endless issues for players in retirement, including ridiculously high numbers of bankruptcies and all sorts of mental health issues being reported. “So a players’ union that assists and helps safeguard past and current players is vital – BUT it must be democratic, transparent and fully accountable. “I’m reading that there are regular AGM’S for players to attend. I can’t recall ever being invited. It all seems to be shrouded in mystery. “Surely there should be regular and democratic elections that we all know about. “I’d like to know what the players past and current, who this union is supposed to serve, want from their union and who they want to run it? “It’s time for us all to speak out and rally behind Ben in his calls for reform. An Independent Review is the only mechanism in which we can have trust in this union. My generation helped support Gordon Taylor and the PFA by threatening to strike for an increase in the share of TV money from the Premier League to go towards the Union.

“I was, and I am still, fully behind the concept of the PFA and there being a union representing players.

“But Ben Purkiss is right. The PFA must modernise. It needs to get into the 21st century and quickly. It needs to be transparent and there needs to be democratic elections.

“Who voted for Gordon’s multi-million pound salary? How can that be justified?

“I, for one – and I know I am not alone – am appalled at some of the stories I’ve read about former players suffering from dementia, and their families feeling let down by the PFA.

“My first-hand experience of the PFA is also not good. There are far too many players of my generation getting divorced, going bankrupt or struggling with depression and I know a lot of them are very, very unhappy with the PFA.”

Savage added: “Let’s see if Ben’s call leads to players – past and present – speaking out. I hope it does. I, for one, vote for change.”